Thread Protectors

[Peter Wells]

Greetings all.

I have two thread protectors in my collection which seem to differ from the norm. I am 100% confident that they are both original as I know where I 'got' them from.

On the Gunner.net they advertise repros having '7 chain links rather than the original 11'. Both of mine have 13 links, in addition to the bass loop around the protector itself.

My two also differ from each other in the thickness of the links, the size of the loop that the chain attaches to and the finish of the protectors. One is pretty well finished and painted a dark khaki, the other is rougher and unpainted. Is this normal? Just different (SA?) mnfrs maybe?

Any ideas/info would be appreciated. Many thanks

[Richard Fisher]

Peter,

I have an original one as well and will take a photo of it for you to compare yours to. Mine has a loop made up as a replacement to the original but I think the chain is 13 links as well. Like I say, I will photograph it later and post for you.

Regards

Richard

[Peter Wells]

Thanks Richard - looking forward to it.

[Richard Fisher]

Thanks for the reminder Peter. I just nipped upstairs and took the photos now.

Having checked, mine does have 11 links rather than 13 but I don't know if there is any significance in that. The 1949 parts list does refer to it as having 11 links, along with the cork plug as well.

Anyway, here are the photos of my original.

[Peter Wells]

Thanks Richard - but sorry to hassle you on your day of rest.

I can't seem to post images for some or other reason so will have to talk you thru the differences.

1) Mine definitely have 13 small brass links
2) Mine do NOT have the 'S' clips on both ends - the first small brass loop goes directly onto the twisted loop of the brass ring on the protector (as per GOL figs 581 & 588) - presumably the other end goes onto the 'S' clip which holds the cork chain.

Apart from those diffs, the protectors themselves are identical.

ps. In similar vein, I have a couple of replacement split rings/chains (for attaching muzzle attachment) - both have the 'S' clips both ends but one has 6 links (as per fig 586?), the other 11!

Maybe I just have to accept these differences as wartime expedient. No?